Is Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray Causing Breathing Problems?
In recent months, social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok have seen a spike in reports from users experiencing breathing difficulties after using Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray. From coughing and wheezing to full-on asthma flare-ups, the concerns are serious—and surprisingly widespread.
But is this just internet chatter, or is there real science behind these claims? Let’s dig in.
What People Are Saying
One Reddit user in r/CleaningTips wrote:
“Every time I use the Dawn Powerwash spray, I get this tight feeling in my chest and start coughing. It’s like I can’t breathe properly unless I open a window.”
Similar reports appear on TikTok, with a viral video (see it here) showing a woman demonstrating how quickly the spray affects her breathing. Comments underneath the video echo her experience, with users saying things like:
“I thought it was just me!”
“This stuff makes my asthma go crazy.”
Clearly, this isn’t an isolated incident.
What’s in Dawn Powerwash?
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray gets a “C” rating, indicating moderate concern for health effects. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable ingredients:
- Ethanolamine: Used to help dissolve grease, this chemical is a known respiratory irritant and can cause organ toxicity over time.
- Fragrances: These are often trade secrets, but many synthetic fragrances are known to cause allergic reactions, headaches, and worsen asthma.
- Hexoxyethanol (2-Butoxyethanol): A solvent linked to general systemic toxicity and potential developmental effects.
🧪 Source: EWG Cleaner Ratings – Dawn Platinum Powerwash
When aerosolized—like in a spray form—these ingredients become airborne, increasing the chance that users will inhale them, potentially irritating the lungs or triggering existing respiratory conditions.
The Science Backs It Up
This isn’t just anecdotal. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that:
“Using spray cleaners at least once a week was associated with a 30% to 50% increased risk of developing asthma.”
Even common household cleaning products—especially when sprayed—can release tiny particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that linger in the air and irritate the lungs.
🧪 Source: Study on spray cleaners and asthma
Symptoms to Watch For
If you’ve used Dawn Powerwash (or other aerosol cleaners) and noticed any of these symptoms, it might be time to reassess:
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing or whistling in the chest
- Tightness or pressure in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
If these symptoms worsen or don’t improve, consider seeing a doctor and avoid further exposure.
Safer Alternatives & Tips
If you love the convenience of a spray but want to stay safe, here are a few alternatives and precautions:
What You Can Do
- Use in a well-ventilated area (open windows or run fans)
- Switch to fragrance-free or natural cleaning options
- Apply cleaners with a cloth instead of spraying into the air
- Wear a mask or gloves if you’re sensitive
- Try non-aerosol options like diluted dish soap in water applied with a sponge
Some people have reported success using Castile soap, Seventh Generation, or Method Free & Clear as less irritating alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Dawn Platinum Powerwash may be a time-saver in the kitchen, but for some users, it may come at a cost to respiratory health. The combination of aerosol application and potentially irritating ingredients appears to be causing genuine problems for sensitive individuals.
If you’ve experienced similar issues, you’re not alone—and there are safer options out there.
Sources
- Environmental Working Group – Product Rating
- American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Study
- NonToxic for Health – Toxic Household Cleaners
- PubChem – Ethanolamine
- PubChem – 2-Butoxyethanol (Hexoxyethanol)
- [Reddit: r/CleaningTips, r/asthma, r/ChemicalSensitivities]
